CT United 911 Ride

To say I'm humbled would be an understatement. I remember that day 9 years ago and the surreal events surrounding the fall of the towers. I could not believe that acts terrorism were happening on US soil. The billowing smoke from the towers could be seen from many along the Southern Connecticut coastline. It's a day never to be forgotten. The CT United Ride will not let it be forgotten.

My dad has a motorcycle, actually two. He has his show bike, a masterpiece of art. Then he has his Fat Boy Harley. In the past, we couldn't do the ride together because he only had his show bike. We had gone in prior years to listen to the speakers in the Norden's parking lot, were all met before the ride began. The ride is the CT United Ride, to honor those who have fallen and to remember... This was the year that we would do the 60 or so mile ride together on his Fat Boy. This year we would be part of a procession of bikers showing a visible testament to the memory of the Sept. 11 attacks and the ongoing sacrifices of firefighters, police, and military personnel who sacrifice their lives.

The lot where we all met was packed. All participants were given a blue wristband. Very close estimate from wristbands issued is just under 2500 riders. There was over 100 volunteers, plus all the press, fire, police, spectators and speakers - for easily well over 3,000 in the parking lot. As I looked over the lot, all I could see were motorcycles. It was an unbelievable sight. Many State officials spoke, giving heart-wrenching speeches. Tear were shed. Patriotism abundant. A large flag was raised between two fire engine ladder trucks. All bikes would pass under the flag as they left the lot and started on their rides.

The ride cruised through Westport, Wilton, Georgetown, Redding, Bethel, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield before concluding in Seaside Park.

The thing that really struck me as we went along our route were the people, standing along the roadside to show their support, patriotism and hopes for peace. It was like a parade. People were set up with lawn chairs, waving flags, showing the peace signs. We (the riders) waved to the people on the roadsides and they waved back. The people on the roadsides just filled my heart. As we passed through towns, the fire stations had raised flags same as the beginning of our ride. I lost track of the number of massive flags we road beneath. One town had 3 flags raised, one after another. There had to be 8 to 10 flags, at least. I had my ipod on, cranking tunes as I waved at everyone, offering peace signs in return of thier peace signs. I felt like I was somehow making a diffeence by getting into the spirit of the whole rde and waving and smiling. Now imagine 2500 bikers, doing the same thing. I shake my head in amazement.

The need to remember. We must never forget.

"As the time goes by the mist and clouds go over our memories," ... "You will not let that veil fill our eyes and our young people will not forget the sacrifices made by our first responders on Sept. 11 and those who continue to put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe."